This week’s conversation is with Bethany Hamilton, a professional surfer and shark attack survivor.

Bethany has become a source of inspiration to millions through her story of determination, faith, and hope.

At the age of 13, Bethany lost her left arm to a 14-foot tiger shark, which seemed to end her career as a rising surf star.

One month after the attack, Bethany returned to the water and within two years had won her first national title.

Think about that for a second. She was back in the water within a month!

We all experience trauma — some on a greater scale than others, but what’s special about Bethany is her response to that trauma — and that’s why I wanted to talk to her.

In 2007, Bethany realized her dream of surfing professionally and since then, her story has been told in a New York Times best selling autobiography and in the 2011 film, Soul Surfer.

Bethany’s latest project, Unstoppable, a surf documentary showcasing her career is in theatres now and I highly recommend checking it out!

“I love helping young people overcome whatever craziness is coming at them. We all face hard stuff. Maybe it’s not a shark attack or limb loss, but normal life struggles, everyone has them, and we all need a little help along the way.”

In This Episode:

• The characteristics that define her
• What becoming a wife and mother has taught her about herself
• How she made sense of the moment she lost her arm during a shark attack
• Wanting to make a difference for the younger generation
• Her experience with failure and what frustrates her about her competitive surfing career
• Why her family structure helped her be grounded today
• Her approach towards raising her kids and what she dreams of for them
• Where she finds motivation and drive
• What it was like catching a wave for the first time after she’d lost her arm
• Her struggle with living life in the public view
• How she defines mastery